Van Gaal expects De Gea stay

Spaniard signed four-year deal at Man Utd last summer

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expects goalkeeper David de Gea to stay at the club next season.

De Gea was tipped to move to Real Madrid from Old Trafford last August, only for the deal to fall through on deadline day.

The Spain goalkeeper then signed a new-four year contract with United in September, but although there has again been speculation this season linking him with a return to his homeland, van Gaal is confident that the 25-year-old sees his long-term future in England.

"It was written that it was inevitable that he would go to Real in 2016," the Dutchman said.

"But it's not like that.

“In this world of football you never know. It can always happen - but I don’t think so. He is very comfortable here.

“He has said that many, many times, not only to me but also to his colleagues and the fans - in interviews or things like that - and he’s extended his contract.”

De Gea, who was voted United's Player of the Year for a record third successive season this month, feels settled in the North of England and appreciates the support of the club's fans, according to Juan Mata.

"He feels the love of the fans, being voted the best player of the season for a third time in a row. He's happy in the city, he's happy with us, with his team-mates and he's performing very well," the United and Spain midfielder said.

"I think he's very calm and he's focused on finishing the season well, trying to win the FA Cup and, after that, trying to be focused with Spain in the Euros. So he's very calm and I'm not nervous about his future."

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